Everything you Watch is discipling you
Why Christians should think more carefully about movies, television, and entertainment. A conversation with Kyle Sanders (Ep. 10)
Most Christians understand that what we read matters. We know that what we believe shapes how we live. But far fewer of us stop to consider that the stories we consume every day are quietly shaping us too.
Movies aren't just entertainment.
Television isn't just a way to unwind.
Stories aren't neutral.
Whether we realize it or not, every story is teaching us something about reality, humanity, purpose, love, justice, identity, and hope.
The question isn't whether we're being influenced.
The question is: Who—or what—is doing the influencing?
Everything Matters
One of the central truths of the Christian life is that there are no "off-limits" areas where Christ has no authority.
Paul writes:
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Notice the breadth of that command.
Not just church.
Not just Bible study.
Not just ministry.
Whatever you do.
That includes the music you listen to.
The books you read.
The podcasts you enjoy.
And yes—the movies and television shows you watch.
Entertainment isn't outside our discipleship. It is one of the places where discipleship happens.
Why Stories Matter So Much
Human beings are story people.
The Bible itself isn't merely a theological encyclopedia. Much of Scripture is narrative. God chose to reveal Himself through stories—Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, David, Esther, Peter, Paul, and ultimately the grand story of redemption through Christ.
We naturally think in narratives because we live in one.
Every decision has a beginning, a conflict, a resolution, and consequences. Even our own lives are understood as stories.
This is why counselors often ask people to tell their story.
Grief counselors do it.
Addiction recovery programs do it.
Trauma therapy does it.
People often begin healing when they can understand their experiences within a meaningful narrative.
Stories shape how we interpret reality.
Movies simply tap into something God designed within us.
Movies Teach More Than We Realize
Every film has a worldview.
Some are obvious.
Others are subtle.
Every movie answers questions like:
What is wrong with the world?
What saves people?
What is love?
What makes someone valuable?
What is worth sacrificing for?
What is evil?
What is the good life?
Many films answer those questions beautifully.
Others answer them disastrously.
The danger isn't merely watching movies with bad messages.
The danger is absorbing those messages without ever noticing they're there.
Discernment Isn't Cynicism
Many Christians have responded to entertainment in one of two unhealthy ways.
One group rejects nearly all entertainment as worldly.
The other consumes everything without reflection.
Neither approach reflects biblical wisdom.
Instead, believers are called to engage culture thoughtfully.
Paul didn't hide from the world.
Jesus certainly didn't.
Instead, they understood the world while remaining rooted in truth.
Discernment isn't becoming the world's harshest critic.
Discernment is learning to ask better questions.
Instead of asking only:
"Was that movie good or bad?"
Ask:
What was this story trying to persuade me to believe?
What did it celebrate?
What did it condemn?
What did it assume about humanity?
Did it point me closer to truth—or further from it?
The Gospel Gives Us the Right Lens
Most movies aren't written from a biblical worldview.
That's okay.
They still reveal something.
Sometimes they reveal deep longings for redemption.
Sometimes they expose humanity's brokenness.
Sometimes they show us counterfeit saviors.
The gospel becomes the lens through which we evaluate every story.
Rather than unconsciously adopting a film's message, we compare it to Scripture.
What did the movie say?
What does Christ say?
Where do they agree?
Where do they diverge?
The gospel doesn't prevent us from enjoying stories.
It teaches us how to interpret them.
Pay Attention to What Shapes Your Heart
Interestingly, what attracts us to certain stories often reveals something about ourselves.
The films we love frequently expose:
our longings
our fears
our hopes
our idols
our desires
Sometimes we're drawn to stories because they portray something we deeply desire.
Sometimes because they help us process fears we haven't faced.
Sometimes because they remind us of beauty we've forgotten to notice.
A great story doesn't merely entertain.
It reveals something inside us.
One Simple Habit That Changes Everything
You don't have to become a film critic.
You don't need to pause every five minutes and take notes.
But you can become intentional.
After watching a movie, simply ask:
Why did I like that?
Or ask someone else:
What stood out to you?
Those simple questions often produce richer conversations than debating whether a movie was "good."
They move us from consuming entertainment to learning from it.
Learn to Watch One Thing at a Time
Another practical discipline has nothing to do with movies themselves.
Watch the movie.
Just the movie.
No scrolling.
No checking emails.
No social media every thirty seconds.
We live in a culture of constant distraction.
Practicing focused attention—even while watching a film—is actually training your mind for deeper attention everywhere else.
The ability to fully engage one thing at a time strengthens your conversations, your prayer life, your Bible reading, and even your relationships.
Sometimes discernment begins with simply paying attention.
A Great Place to Start
If you're wondering where to begin, start with familiar stories.
Classic Disney films, for example, often present very clear moral themes.
Ask questions like:
Why did this character make that decision?
What does this story reward?
What does it punish?
Who is portrayed as the hero?
What does this movie say about love?
What does Scripture say?
You don't have to overanalyze every scene.
Just become curious.
The Stories That Shape Us
The reality is simple.
Everything we consume is shaping us.
Every story is inviting us into a particular vision of life.
Some stories point us toward courage.
Some toward sacrifice.
Some toward selfishness.
Some toward despair.
Some toward redemption.
As followers of Christ, we're called to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5), and that includes the stories we willingly invite into our hearts.
Entertainment isn't merely about passing the time.
It's about forming the soul.
So the next time the credits roll, don't just ask:
"Did I enjoy it?"
Ask the better question:
"What was this story trying to teach me—and does it lead me closer to Christ?"
Because every story is shaping you.
The only question is which story you're allowing to shape you the most?
